First impressions truly matter.

This past weekend, we took our daughter-in-law to meet my husband’s side of the family, and the trip instantly took me down memory lane. It brought back vivid memories of the very first time my husband took me to meet his family. Even now, looking at the first picture we ever took together, which I still keep in my wallet fills me with so much joy.

Although his family and I had already connected over the phone, I remember exactly how nervous I was to meet them in person. I wanted so badly to be liked. From the moment we arrived, I made sure to put my best foot forward. I woke up early each morning, helped out wherever I could, and stayed completely focused on being present and supportive. By the end of the trip, I had made a wonderful impression on them, and they had made an equally wonderful impression on me. Later on, my husband shared that his dad told him, "You picked a good one." That memory still makes me smile.

Making a good impression on others is a beautiful thing. But it made me think about a different kind of relationship: the one we have with ourselves. How awesome would it be if we woke up, got dressed, and decided, "Today, I am going to make a great impression on myself"?

Think about it: How would you talk to yourself if you were trying to win yourself over? Would your inner voice be kinder? How would you behave? Would you treat your body and mind with more respect?

As I write this, I realize that if I truly took the idea of impressing myself to heart, there are things I simply would not do. I am incredibly grateful for this reflection right now because I am currently part of a group focusing on eating, honoring our bodies in a way that pleases God. We don't have a mapped-out plan; our main focus is simply limiting processed foods and sugar. When I think about what it looks like to impress myself in this area, it means showing self-control and having the grace to stop after just one delicious slice of cake!

I believe we should treat ourselves in a way that says: "Hi me, I am going to be the absolute best version of myself for you today because you deserve it. God says you are wonderfully made, and you deserve to feel loved and appreciated.”

Remember: Choose today to be your best self, for yourself.

One of the coaching services I offer is a Christian Coaching Program for Women on Self-Discovery. Message me if you will like to know more details.